Renewed eruptive activity shown by Mount Anak Krakatau on Sunday (7/5/2026) has awakened collective memories among coastal communities in Serang Regency, Banten. Although there were no significant physical impacts following the eruption, the shadow of the Sunda Strait tsunami tragedy eight years ago continues to haunt local residents.
Ebi, a resident of Pasauran Village in Cinangka District, shared that thicker smoke plumes than usual sparked concern among residents. For those living along the shoreline, any sign of increased volcanic activity serves as a reminder of the potential disaster threat that devastated the region's economy and tourism sector back in 2018.
As a precautionary step, communities around Cinangka District are now more vigilant regarding safety procedures. The local government has provided four evacuation routes stretching from Pasauran Village to Tancang Hamlet in Bulakan Village. Residents have also been educated on the use of early warning sirens as part of disaster mitigation.
Nevertheless, residents hope the government will not rely solely on physical infrastructure. Regular education and more intensive mitigation outreach are considered crucial to maintaining community preparedness. Additionally, residents have proposed a spatial redesign of the coastal area to act as a natural barrier, minimizing wave impacts in the event of future disasters.
The trauma affecting residents is not without cause, given that the 2018 tsunami crippled the local economy, particularly for tourism business owners and local fishermen. To this day, ongoing regional recovery remains shadowed by the uncertainty of volcanic activity, making continuous vigilance and mitigation essential for the livelihood of coastal communities.
